Where to find an Ash Wednesday service in the Louisville area

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 46-day period of Lent. They're two of the most important liturgical events for Christians and help prepare them for Easter.
Dwight Adams, dwight.adams@indystar.com

What is Lent?

During Lent, Catholics are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to sacrifice self-control through fasting. Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God's gifts—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents. As St. John Chrysostom reminds us: "Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2446).

Counting all the days from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, there are 46 days of Lent. However, the church refers to the "40 days of Lent" because Sundays of Lent are excluded from fasting and abstinence, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

So, do you have to fast on Sundays?

The Sundays of Lent are not prescribed days of fast and abstinence.

Why do Catholics 'give up' something during Lent?

Catholics traditionally choose something to "give up" during Lent — such as candy or soft drinks — as an additional penitential practice. According to the Conference of Catholic Bishops, "these practices are disciplinary in nature and often more effective if they are continuous, i.e., kept on Sundays as well. That being said, such practices are not regulated by the Church, but by individual conscience."

Can Catholics eat meat on Fridays?

No. All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. According to the Conference of Catholic Bishops, abstinence laws consider meat as coming from animals that live on land, which are chickens, cows, sheep, birds or pigs.

Technically, abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat such as chicken broth, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat.

But, the Conference of Catholic Bishops says moral theologians teach that Catholics should abstain from any animal-derived product. However, foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste, are an exception.

Why do Catholics eat fish on Fridays?

Because fish are a different category of animal, salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are allowed.

But the Conference of Catholic Bishops advises that just because fish is allowed, you shouldn't indulge.

"While fish, lobster and other shellfish are not considered meat and can be consumed on days of abstinence, indulging in the lavish buffet at your favorite seafood place sort of misses the point. Abstaining from meat and other indulgences during Lent is a penitential practice. On the Fridays of Lent, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday and unite ourselves with that sacrifice through abstinence and prayer."

What are the rules for fasting?

Catholics between the ages of 18 to 59 fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday.

The church defines this fasting as only having one full, meatless meal. "Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary, but combined they should be less than a full meal. Liquids are allowed at any time, but no solid food should be consumed between meals."

Are some people exempt from fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?

According to the Conference of Catholic Bishops, those who are physically or mentally ill, which includes people suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Pregnant women and those nursing are also exempt.

"In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting."